1980 12 00 OMNI - Lebelson - UFO Update

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: December 1980
Price: $2.00

This issue of OMNI features a cover story on "Supergenes: Decoding the Secrets of Immortality," alongside articles on "Megawar: Think-Tanking the Unthinkable" and "The Ten Best Games of the Year." The cover art depicts a surreal desert landscape with abstract structures and a figure holding a pyramid, with the OMNI logo prominently displayed.

UFO UPDATE: TARGET: DENMARK

This section, written by Harry Lebelson, details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Silkeborg, Denmark, in early October 1979. The report emphasizes the thoroughness of European UFO investigations compared to the more computer-reliant approach in America.

The Silkeborg Sighting

The incident involved Mr. and Mrs. Mortensgaard, managers of a home for the elderly, who were photographing notable landmarks in Silkeborg. While taking pictures of the illuminated fountains at Long Lake with a 35mm camera using Kodak Ektachrome ASA 64 film, they took three photos with a five-minute interval between them. Upon receiving the processed slides, they discovered strange light effects behind the fountains.

Expert Analysis

Unsure of the origin of these phenomena, the Mortensgaards submitted the slides to retired Danish Air Force Major Hans C. Petersen, a veteran UFO investigator. Petersen, after extensive evaluation, concluded that the photos were genuine. He then forwarded the original negatives to Colman VonKeviczky, director of the Intercontinental UFO Research and Analytic Network (ICUFON) in the United States.

VonKeviczky conducted intensive laboratory work on the slides, employing photoanalytic processes and microscopy. He found no discontinuity in the grain patterns of the objects when compared to other parts of the photographs. He also converted the slides to negatives and enlarged them to 18 x 24 centimeter prints. This process allowed for a detailed examination of the potential shape, texture, and coloration of the objects.

Findings of the Analysis

Through computer analysis and other modes of investigation, VonKeviczky reached several conclusions:

• The original 35mm slides showed no signs of manual, photographic, or photochemical tampering.
• Two objects were detected in blowups, located in the air above Silkeborg, between Long Lake and the hilly horizon.
• Between the first and second photographs, the objects moved laterally to the east.
• Computer data indicated the objects were approximately 800 meters from the camera and measured 30 meters in diameter.

Further analysis suggested that the unidentified objects possessed structural forms with a dark circular fringe, and a highly polished cupola reflected soft light. The changing light patterns suggested self-initiated movement. The objects also appeared to have two corner lights that seemed retractable, and a dispersed light beam was observed shining downward toward the ground. The translucent horizon seen through this light beam indicated the craft was positioned above the city.

Implications for Ufology

The article notes that the Silkeborg sighting shares characteristics with many other reports from Europe. It emphasizes that while extensive photo analysis can help confirm the existence of unknown phenomena, photographs alone are not sufficient evidence. The author concludes that empirical data must supplement photographic evidence, and the future of ufology relies on the integration of all investigative facets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI delves into scientific and technological advancements, particularly in the realms of genetics, warfare, and entertainment (games). The "UFO Update" section reflects a commitment to investigating unexplained phenomena with a rigorous, analytical approach, highlighting the importance of detailed evidence and expert analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and empirical methodology, acknowledging the potential for unknown phenomena while stressing the need for verifiable data and integrated research methods in fields like ufology.